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The Dirty Picture: Must watch movie

Director: Milan Luthria

Cast: Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar

Rating: **** ( 4 Out of 5)

The Dirty Picture is a biopic on the life of the South sex symbol Silk Smitha and actress Vidya Balan’s bold performance is the major attraction in the movie. Vishal-Shekhar’s music, Rajat Aroraa’s dynamic script and sharp dialogues, Bobby Singh’s cinematography, Pony Prakash Raj’s choreography and beautiful art works and costumes are the other attractions of the film.

In the movie Vidya plays junior artist Reshma (Hindi for silk, also probably a reference to one of Silk Smitha’s popular early films, Reshma Ki Jawani), before film producer Silva Ganesh christens her Silk. She goofs up her first big break — an item song with superstar Suryakant. Naseeruddin Shah gives a pitch-perfect performance as matinee idol Suryakant, each body movement laudable; every expression priceless. Shah makes the role his own, making it impossible to envision any other actor in his place. “What makes you special?” he asks Silk. “I have had 500 women before you.” She looks at him, eyes sparking, and says, “But have you had the same woman 500 times?” He’s visibly surprised; even pleased.

Emraan Hashmi, on the other hand, is good. The chemistry between him and Vidya is sizzling (the two dislike each other, making their scenes interesting). But the need to pander to Emraan’s ‘hero’ image jars. Why else would a filmmaker (played by Hashmi) turn hero suddenly, especially when there was a clear alternative Arora/Luthria could have opted for? He’s given a song too, one that is lilting but slows down the tempo. It’s kinda funny — the film speaks of the misogynistic nature of the film industry but can’t entirely escape it.

Overall, The Dirty Picture is a right blend of wonderful script, amazing direction and bold performance from the lead actors. The movie has a universal theme and mass appealing story. This movie is a good entertainer.